AUTHOR=Dedeken Peter , Muhumuza Stephen N. , Sebera Fidele , Umwiringirwa Josiane , Bitunguhari Leopold , Tierens Hans , Teuwen Dirk E. , Boon Paul A. J. M. 

TITLE=Long-Term Impact of Single Epilepsy Training on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: Comparison of Trained and Untrained Rwandan Community Health Workers

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 66 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2021.645598

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2021.645598

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Background 

In low- and middle-income countries, persons living with epilepsy (PwE) suffer from diagnosis/treatment gaps alongside with social isolation, stigma and discrimination. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are important in healthcare services and health-seeking behaviour. In 2014, CHWs from Musanze (Northern Province, Rwanda) were trained on different aspects of epilepsy. This study aimed to understand CHWs’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on epilepsy three years after training, compared to untrained CHWs from Rwamagana (Eastern Province).

Method

Questionnaire addressing epilepsy KAP was administered to 96 trained and 103 untrained CHWs. 

Results

Epilepsy awareness was high in both groups, with better knowledge levels in trained CHWs. Attitudes, including social exclusion and personal fear, were lowest in trained CHWs; however, 17% still reported misconceptions. Practices were encouraging with CHWs referring PwE to health facilities.  

Conclusion

A single one-day training session yielded a long-term impact on KAPs of CHWs. Nation-wide training programs of CHWs with focus on training-resistant items, e.g., attitudes, are recommended. Engaging CHW reduces the epilepsy diagnosis/treatment gaps, and improve PwE quality of life, with less stigma, improved disease outcomes and social integration.